Holiday Hazards for Cats and How to Keep Them Safe

Rescue kittens in front of Christmas tree

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness—but for our feline friends, they can also bring unexpected dangers. Decorations, festive foods, visitors, and routine changes can all pose risks to cats, especially rescue cats who may already be sensitive to stress or unfamiliar environments.

At our cat sanctuary, we see an increase in holiday-related emergencies every year. The good news? Most holiday hazards are completely preventable with a little awareness and preparation. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to keep your cats safe all season long.

1. Toxic Holiday Plants

Many popular holiday plants are beautiful—but dangerous for cats.

Common toxic plants include:

• Lilies (extremely toxic—even pollen can be fatal)

• Poinsettias

• Mistletoe

• Holly

• Amaryllis

How to avoid the risk:

• Skip live plants entirely or choose cat-safe alternatives

• Use artificial plants placed well out of reach

• If guests bring flowers, keep them in a closed room away from cats

2. Christmas Trees & Decorations

A decorated tree can be irresistible to curious cats.

Potential dangers:

• Broken glass ornaments

• Tinsel (which can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed)

• Electrical cords

• Tree water containing preservatives or bacteria

Safety tips:

• Avoid tinsel altogether

• Use shatterproof ornaments

• Secure the tree to prevent tipping

• Cover cords or use cord protectors

• Block access to tree water

3. Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Cats

Sharing food is part of the holiday spirit—but many festive treats are unsafe for cats.

Foods to keep away from cats:

• Chocolate

• Onions, garlic, and chives

• Alcohol

• Grapes and raisins

• Fatty foods and bones

• Artificial sweeteners like xylitol

How to keep cats safe:

• Never feed table scraps

• Secure trash cans

• Ask guests not to share food with pets

• Offer cat-safe treats so they don’t feel left out

4. Candles, Fireplaces & Open Flames

Holiday ambiance often includes candles and fireplaces—but these can be dangerous.

Risks include:

• Burns from open flames

• Tipped candles

• Smoke inhalation

Prevention tips:

• Use flameless candles

• Never leave lit candles unattended

• Ensure fireplaces are properly screened

• Keep cats out of rooms with open flames when possible

5. Stress from Guests & Routine Changes

Cats thrive on routine, and the holidays often disrupt it.

Signs of stress may include:

• Hiding

• Loss of appetite

• Litter box issues

• Aggression or withdrawal

How to reduce stress:

• Maintain regular feeding times

• Provide a quiet “safe room” away from guests

• Keep litter boxes easily accessible

• Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers if needed

6. Gift Wrap, Ribbons & Bows

Wrapping supplies can quickly turn into toys—but they’re not safe.

Hazards include:

• String, ribbon, and bows that can be swallowed

• Plastic wrap causing suffocation

Safety tips:

• Clean up wrapping materials immediately

• Store ribbon and string in sealed containers

• Supervise cats during gift opening

A Safe Holiday Is a Happy Holiday

The holidays should be filled with warmth, comfort, and love—for people and pets alike. By being mindful of these common hazards, you can help ensure your cat stays safe, healthy, and stress-free throughout the season.

At our sanctuary, every cat’s safety is our top priority—and we’re grateful to supporters like you who help spread awareness and protect feline lives, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

From all of us (and our whiskered residents), we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!